Managing Excavation Safety

Heath McHugh CMIOSH

Health & Safety Manager (MGF)

David McNair BEng (Hons) EngTech MICE

Senior Design Engineer (MGF)

Scott Ellis Group H&S Manager Eric Wright

Introduction

Agenda

• What is Temporary Works?

• Why are Temporary Works Required?

• Temporary Works Management

• Temporary Works Process

• Impact of a Poor Brief

• Benefits of a Good Brief

What is Temporary Works?

Who are MGF?

Why Excavate?

Why are TW’s required?

Why are TW’s required?

TW’s Process

Stage 1: Planning & Investigation

Stage 1: Planning & Investigation

Stage 1: Planning & Investigation

2

1. Geometry - Embankment2. Structure - Building3. Structure – Retaining Wall4. Environment – Tree5. Structure – Boundary Wall6. Infrastructure - Highway7. Body of Water – Pond?

1

3

4

5

6

7

How many hazards can be identified?

Stage 1: Planning & InvestigationIdentifying Hazards – Annotated Photos

Stage 1: Planning & Investigation

Stage 2: Design

Stage 2: Design

Stage 2: Design

Stage 2: Design

Stage 2: Design

Stage 3: Construction

Overview of MGF Design Process

Impact of Poor Information

Longer Design Process

Cautious Design Approach

Revisions

Operational Change / Frustrations

Increased Cost

Strained Relationships (Internally & Externally)

Impact of Getting it Wrong

Benefits of Good Information

Value Engineered Solution

Time (Delivery)

Time (Programme)

Economical Solutions

No Revisions Required

Satisfied Customer / Client

What Good Looks Like

Edge Protection

Emergency Rescue

Programme

Planning - process

• Temporary works

management

• Site investigation

• Confined space

• Risk assessment

• Competence

• Work area

• Work method

Construction Phase

• Safe digging practice

• Trench support installation

• Inspection

• Safe working

• Emergency arrangements

• Back fill / reinstatement

Review

Planning

Risk assessment

Planning & prep • Competent staff & workers • Current drawings (3 month)• CAT & Genny• Mark up • Hand dug trial holes (backfill

with sand) • Permit to dig

Safe digging practice • Insulated tools & AR overalls • 500mm rule • Don’t dig down on mark up

Avoiding underground services

Confined space?

Confined space?

Risk Assessment

Avoid

Manage the risk

Competent people

Emergency arrangements

Confined space?

Logistics & Segregation of works

Deliveries & storage

Equipment on site & ready for use

Competent installers

Following a plan

Trench support installation

� Sheets & frame

Types of shoring

Boxes �

Trench support

Battering / stepping back

Permit to proceed

Completed by the TWC

Part 3 Permit to strike

Permit to proceed

Before each shift

After any event likely to affect its stability

After any earth fall or fall of material

Inspection

Part 3 Permit to strike

Permit to proceed

We must have and practice an emergency evacuation We cannot rely on the emergency services!

Emergency arrangements

Part 3 Permit to strike

Permit to proceed

Surcharge Stop blocks Damage to services Density / settlement

Backfill & reinstatement

We don’t do enough of this

What went well & what never!

Review

Summary – we’ve looked at

Planning - process • Temporary works management• Site investigation

• Contamination• Ground water• Ground strata

Design process

• Confined space• Risk assessment

• Competence • Work area • Work method

Construction Phase

• Safe digging practice

• Trench support installation

• Inspection

• Safe working

• Back fill / reinstatement

Review

Thank you

Heath McHughDavid McNair

Any questions?

I would like to thank our sponsors today

MGF (link)M&P Surveys (link)